Tag Archives: Utah disability attorney
MYASTHENIA GRAVIS & BENEFITS
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a rare autoimmune, neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. In fact, the name means “serious muscle weakness,” which is the main symptom of the condition. This weakness tends to get worse the longer the muscles are used and gets better after the muscles are rested. It is caused… Read More »
BONE FRACTURES & DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET SSD BENEFITS FOR BONE FRACTURES? Bone fractures and broken bones normally heal in a matter of a couple of months. Therefore, it can be difficult to get SSD benefits for bone fractures. In order to qualify for Social Security Disability benefits and SSI benefits, you must have a medical condition that… Read More »
CONSULTATIVE EXAM TIPS – Medical Evidence Wins Your Benefits
WHAT IS A CONSULTATIVE EXAM? After you apply for Social Security Disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income benefits, you may receive a notice in the mail. This notice schedules you for a Consultative Exam. The SSA usually schedules an exam with one of their doctors during the first six months of the appeals process…. Read More »
WHAT IS A TRIAL WORK PERIOD?
A trial work period is a nine month period of time during a 5 year rolling timeframe. During these 5 years, you can try to “work” while still receiving SSDI benefits. You have 9 months, in a 5 year period, to earn over $1160 and still receive your SSD payments. For 2025, a trial work period begins when you earn more than $1160 in one month. If you are considering going back to work while on SSDI payments, then it is essential to consult an attorney to know your options before you start working. If you don’t, then you could end up with an overpayment of SSDI benefits and you will have to pay them back.
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE
HOW THE SSA WEIGHS MEDICAL EVIDENCE IN YOUR DISABILITY CASE If you file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then your medical evidence will determine whether you receive benefits. Many people believe the SSA only looks at your diagnosis. However, that is not how the five step… Read More »
LUPUS DISABILITY BENEFITS
CAN YOU GET LUPUS SSD BENEFITS? Lupus disability benefits are available for people with severe lupus symptoms who cannot work for over one year. Are you a worker who pays your taxes? Did you stop working for over 12 months due to lupus? If so, then you can apply for Social Security Disability benefits… Read More »
SARCOIDOSIS & PROVING DISABILITY
WHAT IS SARCOIDOSIS? Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the immune system to overreact and start attacking the body. The disease does this by forming granulomas. Granulomas are clumps of inflammatory cells. These granulomas, or small clusters of inflamed tissue, start to form throughout the body and imbed themselves in the body’s organs…. Read More »
SSI BENEFITS – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
WHAT ARE SSI BENEFITS? SSI benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Federal income program funded by general taxes. SSI benefits do not come from Social Security taxes. The goal of the SSI program is to provide a monthly payment that helps disabled people, those who are blind, and who also have little… Read More »
LYMPHEDEMA & SSDI BENEFITS
WHAT IS LYMPHEDEMA? Lymphedema is a medical condition that occurs when lymph fluid does not move through the body the way it should. Your lymphatic system plays a major role in your immune system. It collects extra fluid, removes waste, and helps protect your body from infection. When your lymph fluid cannot drain, it… Read More »
WHAT IS THE AMOUNT OF MY SSDI BENEFIT?
DO YOU KNOW YOUR MONTHLY SSDI BENEFIT AMOUNT? How do you calculate the amount of your monthly SSDI benefit payment? Every day clients ask us how much money they will receive if they win their Social Security case. If you have questions about your SSDI benefits, then you are in the right place. Because… Read More »
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOUR FOR DISABILITY BENEFITS
DEPRESSION CAN QUALIFY YOU FOR SSD BENEFITS If you have depression and can’t work, then you need to know if you qualify for SSD benefits. If you have been off work for over 12 months or you can’t work due to severe depression, then apply for SSD benefits. Depression is a common mental ailment… Read More »
SHOULDER PAIN & SSDI BENEFITS
CAN SHOULDER PAIN QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS? Shoulders are complex joints and can be a source for pain and disability. The shoulder is made up of the arm bone and the collarbone. The scapula and the clavicle work together to form the glenohumeral joint, which forms a cage around the head of your humerus…. Read More »
PULMONARY EMBOLISM & DISABILITY
WHAT IS A PULMONARY EMBOLISM (PE)? A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blood clot in the lungs. This can occur when the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs become blocked. Usually, the blood clot begins somewhere else. For example, the blood clot may form in the legs or the pelvic area. Next,… Read More »
DON’T WAIT TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS
DON’T MAKE THE MISTAKE OF WAITING TOO LONG TO APPLY FOR SSDI BENEFITS Waiting to apply for your SSDI application is almost always a mistake. You need to file an application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits to protect your income when you can no longer work due to a severe medical condition…. Read More »
DISABILITY BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN
YOU CAN WIN SSDI & SSI BENEFITS FOR BACK PAIN If you suffer from back pain and cannot work, then let us help you win SSDI and SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Social Security Disability Insurance or SSI benefits. If you have worked and paid taxes, then the SSA can pay… Read More »
THE PART C CRITERIA WINS MENTAL HEALTH BENEFITS
UNDERSTAND PART C OF THE MENTAL HEALTH LISTING If you are filing an application for SSDI and SSI benefits because a mental disorder keeps you from working, then you should understand SSA’s Part C criteria. The SSA evaluates mental disorders under the Listing of Impairments. Each mental disorder in the listing contains specific symptoms…. Read More »
COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS FOR YOUR DISABILITY CASE
CAN YOU COLLECT YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS? Yes, you can collect your own medical records. In fact, the burden to submit your medical records to the SSA is on you. You need to collect your medical records, as they are crucial to winning your SSD benefits. After you apply for SSD benefits, you must collect… Read More »
STEP FIVE: THE BURDEN OF PROOF SHIFTS TO THE SSA
SSA’S SEQUENTIAL EVALUATION IS A FIVE STEP PROCESS The SSA uses a five step review process to see if you qualify for SSDI and SSI benefits. Each step involves a question. The answer to the question helps the SSA know what to do with your claim. Depending on the answer, the SSA can deny… Read More »
DIABETES TYPE 1 & CHILDHOOD DISABILITY
WHAT IS DIABETES TYPE 1? Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Type 1 is a chronic autoimmune disorder that occurs when the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin producing cells in the pancreas. This leads to a lack of insulin in the body, which is necessary to control blood glucose levels. Type 1 Diabetes is… Read More »
LUNG TRANSPLANT WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS A LUNG TRANSPLANT? A lung transplant is a critical procedure for those who have exhausted all other treatment options. They are usually done only after all other treatment options—such as medications, oxygen therapy, or less invasive surgeries—have failed. Candidates for a lung transplant must meet strict medical criteria to ensure success. A… Read More »
DISABLED VETERANS QUALIFY FOR SSA EXPEDITED REVIEW
EXPEDITED REVIEW IS AVAILABLE FOR DISABLED VETERANS Are you a disabled veteran? Did you know that Veterans who are 100% service connected qualify for expedited review with the Social Security Administration? This means that if you file an application for SSD benefits, you may not have to wait so long for a decision. Currently,… Read More »
SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS
UNDERSTANDING SSA’S 5 POINT RATING SCALE FOR MENTAL CONDITIONS When you apply for SSD benefits because of a mental health condition, the SSA uses a 5 point rating scale to determine how severe your condition is. The SSA’s 5 point scale focuses on how your symptoms affect your ability to function on a consistent… Read More »
MALIGNANT MELANOMA & SSD
WHAT IS SKIN CANCER? Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of your body and threaten your life. Doctors usually find skin cancer by doing a physical exam. The doctor will then do a biopsy or imaging tests. This type of cancer… Read More »
FEDERAL COURT REVIEW FOR YOUR SSD CASE
CAN YOU APPEAL YOUR SSD CASE TO FEDERAL COURT? It is possible to appeal a denial from the Appeals Council to Federal Court. However, in order to have access to judicial review under the Social Security Act, the decision of the SSA must be final. Also, you must file a Complaint in Federal Court… Read More »
CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE & DISABILITY
WHAT IS CHRONIC LIVER DISEASE? Chronic liver disease is a medical condition that affects the structure and function of your liver. Over time, inflammation of your liver cells leads to liver damage. There are a number of causes of chronic liver disease. These include viral infections, such as Hepatitis B and C, drinking too… Read More »
SLEEP APNEA & DISABILITY BENEFITS
Sleep apnea is a disorder that occurs during sleep when you have a pause in breathing or shallow breathing. These pauses can occur multiple times a night and result in fatigue the next day. If so, sleep apnea can interfere with your ability to work. If you have severe sleep apnea and other medical issues, apply for SSD benefits with the help of Cannon Disability Law.
HEART TRANSPLANT & SSD BENEFITS
HEART TRANSPLANT & SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS A heart transplant is an operation where surgeons replace a failing or damaged heart with a healthy heart from a deceased donor. This procedure is usually performed on individuals with end stage heart failure or severe heart conditions. It is an option only after your heart disease… Read More »
PAST RELEVANT WORK: SSA’S NEW 5 YEAR RULE
For years, SSA’s definition of “past relevant work” has included all the jobs you have done in the last 15 years. But this week, the SSA made a significant change to their rules. On June 22, 2024, the SSA announced that now past relevant work is work done in the last 5 years, instead of the past 15 years. This is a welcome change that benefits the SSA and those who file for SSDI and SSI benefits.
HEART FAILURE & DISABILITY – LISTING 4.02
WHAT IS HEART FAILURE? Heart failure is a significant public health concern in the United States, because it affects 6.7 million adults. This chronic condition, which occurs when the heart cannot properly pump blood to meet the body’s needs, is a leading cause of disability nationwide. Heart failure occurs when your heart does not… Read More »
SPINAL DISORDERS & SSD BENEFITS – LISTING 1.15
SSD BENEFITS FOR SPINAL DISORDERS Spinal disorders can keep you from working and you may need to replace your income with SSD benefits. Do you have a spinal condition that prevents you from working? To qualify for Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits and SSI benefits, the SSA requires you to have a severe medical… Read More »
WHAT ARE JOB SKILLS?
WHY ARE JOB SKILLS IMPORTANT TO YOUR SSD CASE? Job skills refer to the ability, knowledge, and expertise a person requires to perform specific tasks or duties on the job. Assessing your job skills helps the SSA make a decision about your ability to work. If you have job skills, then it is likely… Read More »
WHEN DO SSDI BENEFITS END?
WHAT ARE THE REASONS SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS END? There are a number of reasons why Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can end. This article will discuss the four most common reasons for an end to your Social Security Disability benefits. The first event that usually ends SSDI benefits is an improvement in… Read More »
THREE REASONS TO HIRE A DISABILITY ATTORNEY TO WIN YOUR SSD CASE
There are more than three reasons to hire a disability attorney to represent you in your claim for SSDI and SSI benefits. The reason most people don’t hire an attorney is they think it will cost too much money. What most people don’t know is that attorney fees in SSDI and SSI cases are… Read More »
BIPOLAR DISORDER AND SSD BENEFITS
DO YOU QUALIFY FOR SSD BENEFITS IF YOU HAVE BIPOLAR DISORDER? Bipolar disorder is a serious mental health condition that can qualify for Social Security benefits. If your mental health symptoms are severe enough that they keep you from working, then you might be able to win SSDI and SSI benefits. In order to… Read More »
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS & DISABILITY
WHAT ARE ENDOCRINE DISORDERS? Endocrine disorders are a group of diseases which affect the glands of the endocrine system. Disease can be caused by hormonal imbalance, autoimmune issues, your genes or environmental factors. The most common endocrine conditions include diabetes, thyroid disease, and obesity. When an endocrine gland is not working properly it creates… Read More »
HOW TO SPOT A SCAM – SIX THINGS THE SSA WILL NEVER DO
DO YOU KNOW HOW TO SPOT AN SSA SCAM? How can you spot a scam? How do you know if it is really the SSA on the phone calling you? What do you do if the SSA demands you pay a fine? You may have received a phone call from someone claiming they were… Read More »
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR THE HEARING DECISION?
WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET AN SSD HEARING? The wait time to get a hearing depends on the location where you live. Currently, in 2026, the wait time for a hearing has gone down. It is possible to have a hearing within 7-10 months after filing for one. However, the wait time… Read More »
POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WINS SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS POST TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER? Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is PTSD is a mental health condition that can qualify a person for SSDI if it prevents them from working. Usually, PTSD develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. PTSD can occur in response to a wide range of traumatic… Read More »
EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS EHLERS-DANLOS SYNDROME (EDS)? Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of genetic conditions. These conditions affect the connective tissues in your body. Because there are different forms of the syndrome, the symptoms differ for each person. In order to win disability benefits, you must be unable to work at any job for longer… Read More »
CHECK YOUR EARNINGS TO PROTECT YOUR FUTURE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY PAYMENTS AND RETIREMENT The monthly amount of your Social Security Disability payments and your future retirement benefits is based upon your earnings. You are responsible to check your earnings statement every year. Therefore, you must check your earnings to make sure they are properly reported to the SSA and IRS. When you… Read More »
SUICIDAL IDEATION AND DISABILITY BENEFITS
SUICIDAL IDEATION: IS IT A DISABILITY? Suicidal ideation affects how you think, feel, and function every day. It can make simple tasks feel overwhelming and unsafe. You may try to continue working despite these thoughts. However, the pressure to commit suicide often builds and becomes harder to manage over time. The SSA evaluates mental… Read More »
SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS SPINAL NERVE ROOT CANCER? Spinal nerve root cancer is a rare but serious condition that affects the nerves leaving your spinal cord. About 10,000 to 18,000 people in the USA are diagnosed with metastatic spinal tumors each year. Your nerve roots carry signals between your brain and body. When cancer develops in… Read More »
WHY DOES SSA KEEP DENYING MY CASE?
WHY ISN’T THE SSA GRANTING YOUR DISABILITY BENEFITS? At our disability law firm we hear a version of this question every day. People look at their neighbors and cannot understand why they are getting SSDI and SSI benefits. Also, people compare themselves to others and think their illness is worse. Therefore, they believe they should… Read More »
OBESITY & DISABILITY – SOCIAL SECURITY RULING 19-2P
Obesity is a medical condition that can prevent you from working. If you are off work for more than 12 months, then you can apply for SSD benefits. However, the SSA eliminated the listing for obesity, which means you cannot meet a listing for obesity. Instead, obesity needs to combine with another medical impairment to prevent you from working. If you can prove that your symptoms of obesity and another medical condition disable you, then you can win SSD and SSI benefits. Hire an experience law firm, like Cannon Disability Law, to help you win your Social Security benefits.
When the SSA took obesity out of the listing, they thought the change would produce financial savings.
ADRENAL CANCER DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS ADRENAL CANCER? Adrenal cancer is a rare form of cancer that begins in the adrenal glands. These glands sit on top of each kidney in your upper abdomen. Many people do not know where these glands are or what they do. However, your adrenal glands produce important hormones that control many body… Read More »
STEP FOUR: WHAT KIND OF WORK CAN YOU DO?
Step four of the SSA review process defines your residual functional capacity and your past relevant work. Understanding step four will help you win SSDI benefits. You need to prove that your medical conditions prevent you from performing your past work and any other work. Contact Cannon Disability Law can help you prove you deserve benefits under step four of the disability review process.
AVASCULAR NECROSIS AND SSD BENEFITS
WHAT IS AVASCULAR NECROSIS? Avascular necrosis (AVN), also known as osteonecrosis, is a condition in which bone tissue dies due to a lack of blood supply. As the bone dies, small fractures in the bone occur, eventually leading to additional larger fractures. The fractures can occur in any bone in the body. However, avascular… Read More »
USHER SYNDROME & DISABILITY BENEFITS
WHAT IS USHER SYNDROME? Usher syndrome is a genetic condition that causes hearing loss and progressive vision loss. Some people also develop serious balance problems. The condition occurs because certain genes do not work properly. These genetic changes affect the inner ear and the retina of the eye. The retina contains light sensing cells… Read More »
NONCOMPLIANCE WITH TREATMENT: SSA’S POLICY
THE SSA LOOKS FOR COMPLIANCE IN YOUR MEDICAL RECORDS Noncompliance with medical treatment can be a huge problem if you are trying to win disability benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) wants to review your medical records and see that you have follow orders and comply with treatment. If you fail to do what… Read More »
WILLIAMS SYNDROME DISABILITY BENEFITS
WILLIAMS SYNDROME AND WINNING DISABILITY BENEFITS Williams syndrome is a rare genetic condition that affects your heart, brain, and physical development. The condition is rare and affects about one in 7,500 to 10,000 people. Williams syndrome creates medical and cognitive challenges that may prevent you from working. Many people with Williams syndrome require continuous… Read More »
